Tag: Retroconversion

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Can You Convert DHA to EPA? Understanding Omega-3 Retroconversion

Dec 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Scientific studies have confirmed that the human body can retro-convert the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), albeit at a low and inefficient rate. This surprising metabolic pathway reveals that while some conversion is possible, it is not a reliable method for ensuring adequate EPA levels.

Can DHA be converted to EPA? Understanding Omega-3 Retroconversion

Dec 15, 2025 •

3 min read

While it was long thought that DHA could only be synthesized from EPA, recent human studies using compound-specific isotope analysis have confirmed that the body can perform a process called 'retroconversion' to turn DHA back into EPA. However, this pathway is not the primary driver of increased EPA levels seen with DHA supplementation.